Bird & Exotic Clinic of Seattle

08/03/2023

It was a whole family affair today! Dr. Dan had the privilege of doing an exam today on a sweet little Guinea pig family, who got plenty of attention from our assistants.

07/19/2023

We'd love to share with you a wonderful resource if you are looking to add to your flock or for anyone looking for a feathered companion. Seattle Parrot Rescue is a local rescue based in the greater Seattle area helping find birds forever homes. For more information, feel free to visit their website, listed below.
https://www.seattleparrotrescue.com/adopt

07/17/2023

Love this! Birds are so smart.

Despite a plethora of products designed to keep birds off buildings, our feathered friends are sending a clear message: Nice try.

07/04/2023

Wishing everyone a safe 4th of July!

07/01/2023

Rabbit hemorrhagic disease has been confirmed on Whidbey Island. The facility is being quarantined. The Washington State Veterinarian is reminding rabbit owners to have their rabbits vaccinated or to get boosters. Learn more at https://agr.wa.gov/departments/animals-livestock-and-pets/animal-health/animal-diseases/rabbit-disease

05/24/2023

05/24/2023

World Turtle Day!

World Turtle Day® is May 23rd each year and is celebrated throughout the world. It was started in 2000 by American Tortoise Rescue.

04/21/2023

You need to keep scrolling through to see the whole thing. It’s a great idea for enrichment for our feathered friends!

Scientists let parrots call their parrot friends. Here’s what happened.

03/31/2023

Someone brought a friend with them today 😂

01/05/2023

They didn’t even mention the Victoria Crowned pigeon which is the world’s largest pigeon and very beautiful. They are blue with red eyes and when standing they came up to my knees!

There are more than 300 species of pigeons in the world—many of which are drop-dead gorgeous. “They’re the world’s most overlooked birds.”

12/08/2022

https://www.npr.org/2022/12/07/1141180557/jonathan-tortoise-birthday-190

While Jonathan's exact birthday is unknown, it's estimated he was born in 1832 — before the first photograph of a person and the first postage stamp. He's getting lots of well-wishes on St. Helena.

10/22/2022

Happy National Reptile Awareness Day!!🦎🦎🐢🐢🐍🐍

08/31/2022

I won this cute hamster stuffy for my son at the exotic veterinary conference! The company is revolutionizing testing for pathogenic bacteria, fungus and viruses with DNA testing.

08/09/2022

https://www.atlasobscura.com/articles/key-largo-woodrat

Invasive predators and other threats have pushed the Key Largo woodrat to the brink. A small but passionate group of scientists and volunteers is pushing back.

06/14/2022

https://www.inverse.com/science/rhdv2-rabbit-disease-info

Bunny owners and vets weigh in with their advice and concerns about the lethal rabbit disease RHDV2 and the recent vaccine.

05/26/2022

RHDV2 Rabbit vaccine clinic Monday for our clients! Our doctors will be vaccinating rabbits in your cars to prevent exposure to the other rabbits getting vaccinated. It’s a 2 vaccine series with the second vaccine needed in 3 weeks. The clinic going will be from 1-4pm on Monday May 30th. Please call the clinic (206 783-4538) to schedule!

05/19/2022

Please call the clinic to schedule your vaccine appointment. We will be setting up a vaccine clinic on a Monday- stay tuned.

Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease Virus (RHDV2) confirmed in King County
Amber Itle Washington State Veterinarian

A King County rabbit tested positive for Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease Virus type 2 (RHDV2), a highly contagious, fatal disease of rabbits. This is the first detection of RHDV2 in Washington since December of 2019. A private veterinarian submitted samples to the diagnostic laboratory after acute onset of neurologic signs and sudden death were reported in 90% of the owner’s colony over a short time period. The source of infection is unknown at this time. The rabbits were housed exclusively indoors and had no direct contact with wild or feral domestic rabbits. The premises is under quarantine and has implemented biosecurity measures.

Late last year, the state vet’s office authorized the emergency use of a domestic vaccine for RHDV2, which is now available to all Washington veterinarians. The Medgene vaccine has been shown to be protective against RHDV2. The vaccine must be administered by a licensed Washington veterinarian. Due to the contagious and extremely infectious nature of this virus, vaccination is critical for disease control to protect our domestic and wild rabbit populations alike.

05/12/2022

The latest news on HPAI in Washington. For our chicken, duck and other backyard fowl owners - please follow the recommendations discussed in this article put out by the state veterinarian.

MORE BACKYARD FLOCKS TEST POSITIVE FOR BIRD FLU IN WASHINGTON

PIERCE COUNTY THIRD AFFECTED IN STATE

OLYMPIA – With cases of avian influenza piling up in Washington, state veterinarians are asking bird owners to double down on biosecurity measures.
The two most recent cases of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 were discovered in non-commercial backyard flocks in Pierce County and confirmed yesterday, May 10, after the flock owners contacted the Washington State Department of Agriculture's (WSDA) sick bird hotline to report an unusual number of sudden deaths in their flocks.

Between the two affected flocks, there are a mixture of turkeys, chickens, peacocks, ducks, and waterfowl. The state veterinarian quarantined the premises and the birds that have not already succumbed to the virus will be euthanized.

Washington wildlife officials confirmed two cases of HPAI in wild birds- a bald eagle at Loon Lake in Stevens County and a Canada goose in Whatcom County. In addition to the confirmed cases, there are eight more wild bird cases being investigated across the state.

“With so many suspicious cases in wild birds pending investigation, I can’t emphasize enough how important it is to avoid exposing your flock to wild waterfowl and shorebirds,” Dr. Amber Itle, state veterinarian, said. “Call us if you suspect your own birds are sick and report sick wild birds to the Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife.”

Itle says one step flock owners should continue to take is preventing contact between their birds and wild birds by eliminating access to ponds or standing water on your property and keeping different domestic species like ducks and geese penned separately from chickens and turkeys. Flock owners should also limit access to their farms, not lend or share farm tools or equipment, and not share or sell eggs from backyard flocks. While eating cooked eggs does not pose a health risk, transferring eggs off-farm could also transfer the virus.
There is no immediate public health concern due to the avian influenza virus detected. always, the meat from both wild game birds and domestic poultry should be properly cooked.

Unusual deaths or illness among domestic birds should be reported to the WSDA Avian Health Program at 1-800-606-3056. Report dead or sick wild birds using the Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife’s online reporting tool.

Since May 5 when the first case of avian influenza was announced in Washington, WSDA has received nearly two dozen calls on its sick bird hotline. Now confirmed in three counties, several other suspect cases are being investigated now.

“Avian influenza is here,” Itle said. “Whether it has been confirmed in your county yet or not, you should be taking steps to protect your birds and prevent the spread of this virus which could wipe out your flock.”
Avian influenza can be transmitted from wild birds to domestic birds through direct contact, f***l contamination, transmission through the air, environmental contamination, and shared water sources. The virus can also be spread from farm to farm. Both wild and domestic waterfowl can be infected with the virus and not show signs of disease.

Reducing or eliminating contact between wild birds and domestic flocks and practicing good biosecurity is the best way to protect domestic birds from this disease. Bird owners can bring their flocks inside and undercover to protect them from wild waterfowl.

05/04/2022

A great way to help ferrets!

04/14/2022

Here is the latest news on avian influenza from the state veterinarian. They are not concerned about it in our state at this time.

-Avian Influenza: Show Go or Show No?
Dr. Amber Itle, Washington State Veterinarian
This week, I’ve gotten several inquiries about highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) and whether poultry shows should be cancelled. So far, we have been fortunate not to have any indication of HPAI in the Pacific Flyway (shown in red below) at this time. The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife and APHIS Wildlife Services continue to pursue active surveillance of wild waterfowl and follow up on all mortality events. We anticipate that a detection in waterfowl would be an early indicator that the disease is a threat since waterfowl are responsible for spreading the virus through f***l droppings that contaminate waterways and the environment. WSDA is actively doing avian influenza surveillance, and pursuing investigations on all reports of sick or dead domestic poultry including commercial and backyard flocks. So far, there have been no detections as a result of that active work by both WDFW and WSDA.

See the source image

We know that currently there are outbreaks of HPAI on 180 premises in 26 states resulting in over 26 million chickens/turkeys that were required to be depopulated. At this time, the farthest west HPAI has made it is Montana, and experts believe that these are still introductions associated with the Central flyway (shown in green on the map). It is thought that the HPAI in the Central, Atlantic and Mississippi flyways is highly contagious, can infect a larger variety of wild birds and is persisting in the environment longer due to cold environmental conditions (1-2 months) increasing viral loads. Historically, HPAI impacted dabbling ducks most commonly, who carry and spread the virus but don’t get sick. Interestingly, this outbreak has impacted 40 different kinds of wild birds, causing mortality events in some, especially geese. This is very different than the HPAI outbreak we experienced in 2014/15.

Although nothing is zero risk, it appears that at this time geographically, it is still reasonable to hold poultry shows at fairs in Washington. However, contingency planning should be established in case we do detect the virus closer to home. At this time, it is up to the individual fair board to determine whether to cancel based on risk factors. If we do get a detection of HPAI in WA, WSDA will restrict exhibitions and commingling of birds.

Fairs should remain vigilant and employ enhanced biosecurity, including:
1. Encourage frequent hand washing.
2. Restrict the public from touching exhibition birds.
3. House waterfowl and gallinaceous birds separately (in separate areas or barns if possible).
4. Show poultry (chickens, turkey) before, or in a separate barn than waterfowl (geese, ducks).
5. Consider staggering show times or days for poultry and waterfowl.
6. Clean and disinfect frequently.
7. Discourage out-of-state poultry from showing, especially those outside of the Pacific Flyway.
8. Do not share equipment.
9. Report and remove any sick bird immediately.
10. Isolate all exhibition birds away from the home flock for 30 days upon return from the fair.


WDFW feels that migration is on track for most snow geese and other migrating waterfowl to leave WA by the end of the month. Who knows what the Fall with bring with the next migration after commingling of wild birds in Alaska. APHIS Wildlife Services will be doing increased surveillance this year starting in Alaska in July, following the birds south and will be targeting the I-90 corridor by Labor Day. They are hoping to get 32,000 samples.



•

WSDA is hosting an open house on Tuesday, April 12, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. to share information about its plans to eradicate the invasive Japanese beetle (Popillia japonica). The open house will be held at the Grandview Library.

04/11/2022

Please please don’t buy animals for easter gifts! Bunnies, chicks and ducklings grow up and need lots of care. They can also live 10 years or more!

04/07/2022

Baby ducks! Spring has sprung!!

03/12/2022

If you are interested in a pet ferret, please do your research and consider adopting from the Washington Ferret Rescue & Shelter! 💕 They have a lots of ferrets very ready for their forever homes! 🏡

Ferret owners- please remind all of us how your furry noodles bring you happiness! Pictures are more than welcome! Our clinic ferrets (Count, Vlad and Le Stat) certainly bring our doctors and techs lots of laughs and stress relief! ❤️

Washington Ferret Rescue & Shelter, helping ferrets and ferret owners since 1998

03/01/2022

A Far North Queensland farmer is trialling guinea pigs to control w**ds on his farm and he says besides being absolutely adorable, they're also "extremely effective."

02/01/2022

Meet Golden Leaf! 🐢 Golden Leaf is a Ornate Box Turtle who decided to make a gigantic egg 😣 Radiographs showed a large, partially shelled egg that needed to come out asap! 🥚 Dr. Bennett had to hospitalize her and she ended up laying the next day! Good job Golden Leaf and no more eggs please! 😂

10/17/2021

Sundays are for snuggles and snoozes 💜
Yawns galore 🥱 💤

10/12/2021

This is Chamillionaire AKA Millie 💸 Millie is only about 3 months old and a whole 5 grams of side-eye and attitude! She got a clean bill of health from Dr. Bennett and is eating lots of roaches and crickets! Thanks for coming by Millie, see you next year 💕

07/06/2021

Check your chicken treats! 🐔

One lot of Flock Party Quack Snacks was recalled by Manna Pro Products.

06/26/2021

This goes for guinea pigs and other small mammals as well! Keep cool everyone, and thanks to Special Bunny for the adorable photo 💕

If you live on the west coast (i.e., best coast), then you know this weekend's heat advisory is no joke! ☀️🔥🌡🥵 These temperatures are extreme and abnormal, but you can still prepare -- learn what to do and what to look for to help your buns stay healthy and safe. Check out the overheating info on our website (https://www.specialbunny.org/overheating/) and great shares by our friends Rabbit Advocates and House Rabbit Society for more. And share to help others! Thanks friends ❤

06/25/2021

https://www.bbc.com/news/science-environment-57582451

Scientists think they may have pinpointed an elusive "living compass" behind birds' epic migrations.

06/24/2021

This is Scout! Scout was recently spayed by Dr. Dan and this was her recovering in her warm hospitalization bin ❤️ She clearly did extremely well during and after the surgery and just wanted cuddles from the staff 🥺 The owner did report that Scout has been doing very well since the surgery and living her best life with her 2 other ratty friends 🐭🐭🐭 💕

05/25/2021

Dr. Dan was contacted by one of the veterinarians at Bluepearl (on Aurora Ave) about these 2 adorable female guinea pigs that are up for adoption!

For more information on these cute piggies please contact Bluepearl at 262-527-8510 or email [email protected]. Let’s get these girls a loving home as soon as possible ❤️

05/11/2021

We hope you enjoy these photos of Whiskey as much as we enjoyed taking them❤️

Props to Whiskey for being a natural born model ✨

04/03/2021

With Easter right around the corner, here’s a reminder that live animals are not gifts or toys! 🎁Rabbits, chicks and ducklings are the most common Easter pets and often end up being unwanted commitments, leading to neglect and abandonment. After the novelty of Easter wears off, these animals are still a long-term commitment requiring time, attention and money. If you would not purchase this animal any other time of the year, please stick to toys, chocolate and candy this weekend! 🍫 🍬
And of course, cute baby photos!! These healthy chicks were brought in for their annual wellness check-up. Big thank you to pet owners who understand the responsibilities of owning and caring for animals ❤️🐥🐰

03/30/2021

🦔Hedgehog exams are sometimes a little tricky for us as their quills make it almost impossible to perform a thorough exam. We typically have to use a tiny bit of gas anesthesia to get them to relax. However, Pepper came in recently and was very accommodating with us. We did not have to use anesthesia at all, and Pepper seemed totally comfortable! We even soaked her little feet to get some debris off! Thanks for being so cooperative Pepper!! ❤️

03/13/2021

Please be kind to your veterinarians and veterinary staff. This has been an incredibly difficult time for our profession as we struggle to meet the increased damand for our services while doing our best to keep everyone safe! Helping keep your furry, scaly and feathered family members healthy and happy is always a joy for us but people who refuse to wear a mask or berate us for our safety policies can cause serious stress for us.

https://medium.com/the-top-shelf/an-examination-of-suicide-rates-in-the-veterinary-profession-and-the-effect-of-covid-19-on-966e77cc92e2

Shining a light on a worsening crisis

03/02/2021

We appreciate all of our furry, scaly, & feathered friends that helped us survive 2020 🎉

🐇🐁🦔🐓🦜🦆🦎🐍🐢

Now for 2021! 💪

While many have relied on their dogs and cats during the pandemic, some pet lovers have relied on their rabbits survive the past year -- and some of life's biggest challenges.

02/22/2021

3/02/21 Update: Awkafina has been adopted!! She has been adopted by one of the most responsible, loving family that we know. We are so excited for her to be loved and cherished like she should be ❤️ Thank you for all the love and support everyone!

This is Awkwafina, our rescue leopard gecko. Awkafina was surrendered to us last October when her owner was unable to medically care for her. She was emaciated (refusing food) and had a necrotic tail. After deworming treatments, x-rays, antibiotics, and bloodwork w/ sedation, Awkafina is finally healthy! The necrotic tip of her tail fell off after weeks of cleaning and she has since grown a beautiful new one! She has a voracious appetite; she loves Phoenix worms, crickets (T-Rex gut-loaded) and hornworms! She does have a swollen knee due to metabolic bone disease in the past, but Dr. Bennett has cleared her for adoption! If anyone is interested in Awkafina, please message us or give us a call! 📞

02/14/2021

Hope everyone can have a little fun in the snow today (including the furry ones)! Stay safe and warm out there! ❄️